12-month, full-time contract 

Purpose of the role:

• To lead Guide Dogs NSW/ACT (GDN) and SeeWay's government engagement strategy, strengthening relationships across Ministers, MPs and advisers to secure policy, legislative and regulatory reform that improves inclusion for people with low vision and blindness. 
• This role translates systemic issues into clear asks, coordinates ministerial engagement, and ensures GDN and SeeWay are trusted, influential partners to government.

Key Result Area -  Government Relations

The job holder is successful when:

• Government understands GDN and SeeWay’s priorities and seeks our advice proactively.
• Ministerial, cross-parliamentary and departmental relationships deepen and diversify across parties.
• Ministerial briefs, meeting packs and correspondence are delivered on time and support high quality engagement.
• GDN and SeeWay is represented effectively in national, state and local government forums.
• Internal stakeholders are prepared and supported for government meetings, events and strategic engagements.
• Responses to government requests are coordinated, timely and impactful.
• Ensure all engagements with parliamentarians are captured within CRM for quarterly reporting.

Key Result Area - Systemic Influence 

Job holder is successful when:

• Policy reforms, inquiries and reviews reflect our recommendations.
• Opportunities for influence (inquiries, consultations, parliamentary events, budget cycles) are identified and leveraged.
• A forward calendar of government activity and opportunities, with risks and levers identified.
• Insights from lived experience are translated into compelling government narratives for system-level influence.

Essential Experience:

• Strong experience (5 + years) in government relations, political advisory roles
• Demonstrated experience influencing government decision-making 
• Proven ability to prepare high-quality ministerial briefs, submissions and strategic advice 
• Understanding of legislative processes at state and federal levels 
• Exceptional writing, synthesis and analytical skills
• Tertiary qualifications in public policy, politics, international relations or related field.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• Deep understanding of disability rights, inclusion and accessibility policy
• Ability to translate lived experience into compelling policy asks.
• Capacity to connect local policy issues with national and global frameworks (CRPD, SDGs).

Benefits that Guide Dogs offer: 

As a member of the Guide Dogs team, you will have access to a wide range of benefits tailored to your needs.

• A competitive remuneration package is available commensurate with skills and experience, which includes tax free salary packaging of up to $15,900. 
• EAP - Get support when you need it with Employee Assistance Program counselling sessions.
• Me Days – Receive two paid days per year to support your health and wellbeing.
• Paid Parental Leave – take time to bond with your new child with 15 weeks paid leave after qualification period
• The option to purchase up to 4 weeks additional leave each year.
• Employee benefits program and Reward and Recognition program.
• Annual flu vaccinations. 
• Support for your professional development including paid study leave and educational assistance.
• Join an organisation that makes a meaningful and positive impact on our society.

Guide Dogs Values: 

• Our clients come first in everything we do 
• Walk the Talk - The buck stops with us. So we keep our word and keep going, no matter what.
• Lead with Head and Heart - Forever focused on our purpose and mission, we combine care and careful planning to deliver successes worth celebrating.
• Lift each other - From a guiding hand to a high five, we unleash and acknowledge everyone's potential.
• Never stop exploring - We're fearlessly creative. We've always asked and answered the tough questions and if there's a better way, we'll find it. 

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT are proud to be an inclusive workplace that reflects our clients and the broader community and are committed to providing a work environment in which everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect. We offer equal employment opportunity regardless of your disability, gender or gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital or domestic status, carer status, or political opinion.

If you require an adjustment within the recruitment process, please contact jobs@guidedogs.com.au to inform us of your preferred method of communication.